Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray at Thackeray’s Dadar residence, ‘Shivtirtha,’ on Tuesday, marking their first interaction since the 2024 state assembly elections.

Shinde, accompanied by Shiv Sena leader and Industries Minister Uday Samant, was hosted for dinner, with Thackeray’s son Amit and MNS Mumbai president Sandeep Deshpande also present, according to sources.

The meeting has sparked speculation due to its timing, with elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) expected later this year after a three-year delay. The BMC, a key political battleground, holds significant stakes for both leaders’ parties.

Also Read: Everything is.... Here's What Eknath Shinde said about Mahayuti

A Shiv Sena functionary described the visit as a courtesy call, but political observers see it as a potential signal of strategic discussions, given past tensions.

Relations between Shinde and Thackeray had strained after the 2024 assembly polls, particularly over the Mahim constituency, where Shinde’s Shiv Sena candidate Sada Sarvankar, MNS’s Amit Thackeray, and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Mahesh Sawant clashed. Sawant emerged victorious, while Amit’s debut ended in defeat. Recently, MNS has revived its push for mandatory Marathi usage across Maharashtra, adding another layer to its political maneuvering.

With the BMC polls looming, this meeting could hint at renewed dialogue between Shinde’s Shiv Sena and MNS, though no official agenda was disclosed. The state’s political landscape remains charged as alliances and rivalries take shape.

Also Read: Amit Shah’s Raigad Luncheon Sparks Buzz of Mahayuti Tensions